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Justice News

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Violent Felon Sentenced To 96-Months For Illegally Possessing A Firearm Again

Jeremy Crawford, a 32-year old Venice, Illinois resident, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 96-months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

According to court documents, on September 19, 2012, officers with the Venice, Illinois, Police Department noticed that the driver of a black Chevy Silverado, later identified as Jeremy Crawford, was not wearing his seat belt. The officers got behind the truck and attempted to affect a traffic stop. Crawford would not pull over, and when he did, he tried to take off again. A third Venice PD officer arrived at the scene and parked Crawford in, preventing his vehicle from leaving. One officer opened the car door and instructed Crawford to get on the ground. Crawford refused, so he was forced out of the car and onto the ground, where he was handcuffed. The officers then placed Crawford in the back of the patrol car. Another officer checked the Chevy Silverado visually for other passengers and noticed a silver 9mm pistol under the driver’s seat. The officer observed that the gun was loaded with one in the chamber. While waiting in the patrol car, Crawford rolled down the rear passenger window of the patrol unit, climbed out of the window, and attempted to flee. The officers noticed Crawford’s actions and ran over to him. Crawford began kicking the officers. He was returned to the patrol car and arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Noting that Crawford’s criminal actions have “contributed to the atmosphere of fear” experienced in this district and that Crawford is a “danger to law enforcement,” the federal judge imposed a sentence above the recommended range of 57 to 71 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Crawford must also serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $750 fine. United States Attorney Wigginton noted, “My office remains committed to prosecuting the district’s most violent criminals, especially those who illegally arm themselves with firearms and use them. As the Court recognized, Jeremy Crawford is an exceptionally dangerous and violent man. He’s a danger not just to the community, but also to law enforcement. A sentence like this sends a strong, clear message: stop the violence or pay the price.”

The Venice Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted the offense.